Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: SCO, member countries, terrorism
Mains: GS Paper 2 — International Relations, Security Issues

Why in News?

India has urged members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt a unified and consistent approach to eliminate terrorism, highlighting the need to reject double standards in dealing with terror threats.

What is SCO?

• A regional organisation founded in 2001
• Focus areas:
  • Security
  • Economic cooperation
  • Regional stability

Members include:

• India
• China
• Russia
• Pakistan
• Central Asian countries

India’s Stand on Terrorism

• Advocates:
  ➤ Zero tolerance policy
• Key points raised:
  • Terrorism has no justification
  • No distinction between “good” and “bad” terrorists
  • Need to act against state-sponsored terrorism

Key Highlights from Statement

1. Unified Approach Needed

• Countries must act together
• Avoid selective action

2. Reject Double Standards

• No differentiation in dealing with terrorism
• Consistent global response

3. Strengthen Cooperation

• Intelligence sharing
• Joint efforts

Key Challenges

• Differing political interests among members
• Trust deficit between countries
• Geopolitical tensions

Global Context

• Terrorism remains a major threat to:
  • Peace
  • Stability
  • Development

➤ Requires:

• Multilateral cooperation

India’s Strategic Objective

• Promote:
  • Regional stability
  • Security cooperation
• Counter:
  → Cross-border terrorism

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ India is positioning itself as:

• A responsible global actor
• A leader in counter-terrorism efforts

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. SCO was founded in:

A. 1995
B. 2001
C. 2010
D. 2015

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Which of the following is NOT an SCO member?

A. India
B. USA
C. China
D. Russia

✅ Answer: B

Q3. SCO mainly focuses on:

1. Security
2. Economic cooperation
3. Cultural exchange

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: D

Q4. Cross-border terrorism refers to:

A. Domestic crime
B. Terrorism across national borders
C. Cyber crime
D. Economic offence

✅ Answer: B

Q5. India’s policy on terrorism is:

A. Selective action
B. Zero tolerance
C. Neutral stance
D. Non-intervention

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“India’s approach to terrorism emphasises zero tolerance and multilateral cooperation.”
Discuss in the context of SCO and global security challenges. (250 words)

FAQs

1. What is SCO?

A regional organisation focusing on security and cooperation.

2. What did India propose?

A unified global approach against terrorism.

3. What is meant by double standards in terrorism?

Treating some terrorist acts differently for political reasons.

4. Why is SCO important?

It includes major regional powers and influences global security.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 2 — International Relations.